Improving PWL stability and drifting snow on Silver Peak.

We toured into Silver Peak today for comparison data to the unstable snowpit test results on March 27 on the buried surface hoar persistent weak layer. Snowpit tests performed today in the crown of a persistent slab avalanche from March 25 and adjacent to the snowpit tests from March 27 showed significant improvements in snowpack stability. Snowpit tests today scored 3 x ECTN 24-27, ECTX, one possible ECTP, and PST 56/100 SF. The slab in the possible ECTP broke into two pieces and it was unclear if full propagation occurred across the weak layer or not.

Along the E ridge of Silver Peak, drifting snow was minimal with very limited amounts remaining on the S (windward) side of the ridge. Greater amounts of drifting snow were observed with moderate speed SW winds over the N ridge of Silver Peak. Difficult to trigger 4 to 8" thick wind slabs were noted in lee areas.

Even with full cloud cover, we encountered melting surface snow below about 7,500'. Some skier triggered roller balls occurred on lower elevation NE aspects. Light slushy conditions were noted at 6,000'. Sun angles are now high enough that surface snow on N aspects is becoming increasingly affected by solar radiation.